Diamond Derby City Classic XXIII, January 21-29, 2022
Caesars Southern Indiana, Elizabeth, IN
David Thomson
The Diamond BIG Foot Challenge
LIVE from the Accu-Stats TV Arena
Format: Race to 11, single-elimination, alternate break, foul on all balls, no jump cues. 10-Ball caroms and combos win. Mosconi Cup captains Jeremy Jones and Mark Wilson are in the Accu-Stats’ commentary booth: Enjoy and learn.
Expectations, perhaps, had the pair err more than usual. They each missed around 3 shots, most resulting with Shaw having the more favorable leave.
In one instance, a favorable roll left Shane so snookered, they both had to laugh. Their sportsmanship was never in doubt. Jayson closed it out at 11-8.
Filler against Gomez held no surprises. The young German, fluid and fearless, manifested no weakness. Gomez struggled. Superman had found his kryptonite.
The 11-3 result revealed all.
The Immonen and Alcaide debacle reversed course when, ahead 3-1, Mika missed an elementary eight.
Alcaide capitalized, caught up, and mutual errors had the lead bounce back and forth.
Then, fortune reared its ugly head. Mika would be the first to admit that lady luck favored him.
A frustrated David soon realized it was not going to be his day. In the latter games his cue ball continued to run awry
Mika punished and pounced to close it out 11-7.
A Champion will be crowned tonight.
Semis and Finals continue with Shaw, looking for his 4th, against Gorst. Then, Filler and Immonen. the latter three searching for their first.
See for yourself: The Accu-Stats PPV OnDemand service. You can watch all of the above no matter what your timezone.
Diamond BANK POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Short Rack. Race to 3.
From 457 now 50 remain in round 7 at press time on Sunday.
Fedor Gorst, Mieszko Fortinski and Pijus Labutis still have the luxury of buy-backs.
John recognized the name, not because of Reggie’s reputation, but because he had recently requested John’s DVD instructional. “Bank Pool Secrets of a World Champion”
The Semis and Finals will be live-streamed via Accu-Stats PPV OnDemand on Tuesday evening.
DIAMOND ONE-POCKET CHAMPIONSHIP
RACE to 3.
370 competitors who specialize in pool’s most cerebral discipline: Chess with balls.
No upsets to report… as yet.
DIAMOND BIG FOOT 10-BALL CHALLENGE: FINAL DAY
Diamond Derby City Classic BANK POOL Championship: Fri. Jan. 21 – Sun. Jan. 23. 2022. Semis and Finals in the Accu-Stats TV Arena: Tuesday evening, Jan 25.
Diamond Derby City Classic ONE-POCKET Championship: Sun Jan. 23 -Wed. Jan. 26. Semis and Finalsin the Accu-Stats TV Arena, Thursday evening, Jan 27.
Diamond Derby City Classic 9-BALL Championship: Wed. Jan 26 – Sat. 29.
Accu-Stats PPV OnDemand service
And the cream of the match-ups available via the Accu-Stats Pay-Per-View OnDemand, 4-camera HD production. Approximately, 60 action-packed hours of pro-pool is projected, PLUS reruns. After each match concludes, it is uploaded and available to you. With PPV OnDemand, you choose when you view, no matter what you’re timezone.
Diamond Derby City Classic XXIII, January 21-29, 2022
Caesars Southern Indiana, Elizabeth, IN
David Thomson
The Diamond BIG Foot Challenge
LIVE from the Accu-Stats TV Arena
Format: Race to 11, single elimination, alternate break, no jump cues. 10-Ball caroms and combos win. Mosconi Cup captains Jeremy Jones and Mark Wilson are in the Accu-Stats’ commentary booth, so enjoy and learn.
We welcome Spain’s Francisco Sanchez Ruiz to the Accu-Stats TV Arena in opposition with Cuetec sponsored, 2019 World 9-Ball Champion Fedor Gorst.
Ruiz’s Eurotour resume´ has celebrated success culminating with his back to back 2021 wins. Francisco confided that during his first confrontation on BIG Foot, finding his break was the utmost challenge.
Fedor, no stranger to the 10-foot experience or the Accu-Stats’ lights, capitalized on every opportunity and soon sped to an insurmountable lead sporting a world-class 900+ Accu-Stats Total Point Average. (TPA)
As Francisco’s debut at the Derby includes all 3 disciplines, we’re sure we’ll see more of him this week.
Match two featured, fresh from a UK 9-Ball title, the resurrected former World Champion Dynamite Darren Appleton. With a spectacular performance that reduced the 2017 WPA World Nine-ball Championship runner-up; Roland Garcia’s expectations.
Darren’s superlative composure facilitated run-out after run-out to the point where Roland’s exemplary sportsmanship demanded he applauded Appleton’s powerful performance.
The evening commenced with 3-time Big Foot champion Jayson Shaw and 2019 DCC Banks Runner-up Omar Al Shaheen.
Shaw’s confidence, compounded by his current accolades, proved unstoppable. Omar strived to keep up before succumbing to a simple scratch that allowed Jayson to close out the match at 11-4.
No strangers to BIG Foot, the Van namesakes, Shane Van Boening and Lee Vann Corteza had the Accu-Stats TV Arena audience at capacity.
Shane, disciplined, had grabbed every opportunity to get some BIG Foot table-time between matches. 15 minutes before break-off, the cool and casual Corteza showed up. Was this the reason that the 11-5 final score was so disparate?
Maybe. We’ll let Corteza decide.
You can too: The Accu-Stats PPV OnDemand service has all of the above entertainment available for your viewing pleasure.
Diamond BANK POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Short Rack. Race to 3.
457 entrants could not be restrained from returning to Indiana’s most treasured battlefield.
EFREN REYES, The 5-time DCC All-Around Champion and 6 time One-Pocket Champion, has one accomplishment missing from his DCC resumé; he has never captured the Bank Pool title.
With the DCC Buy-Back formula, after every round, entrant’s names are reshuffled and redrawn. As the DCC events are not seeded, that means that Efren could run into anyone.
It’s a potential minefield.
First round draw: Efren drew Victor Cobian. So far, so good. But not for Victor, yet surely it’s his most celebrated loss.
Efren’s 2nd match held a landmine: Michigan’s Tony Coleman.
The unrelenting, respected shortstop delivered Reyes his first loss.
Welcome to the buy-back booth. The resilient Reyes is scheduled to compete on Saturday.
DIAMOND BIG FOOT 10-BALL CHALLENGE: Fri. Jan. 21 – Sun. Jan 23. 2022.
Diamond Derby City Classic BANK POOL Championship: Fri. Jan. 21 – Sun. Jan. 23. 2022. Semis and Finals in the Accu-Stats TV Arena: Tuesday evening, Jan 25.
Diamond Derby City Classic ONE-POCKET Championship: Sun Jan. 23 -Wed. Jan. 26. Semis and Finals in the Accu-Stats TV Arena, Thursday evening, Jan 27.
Diamond Derby City Classic 9-BALL Championship: Wed. Jan 26 – Sat. 29.
And the cream of the mafch-ups available via the Accu-Stats Pay-Per-View OnDemand, 4-camera HD production. Approximately, 60 action-packed hours of pro-pool is projected, PLUS reruns. After each match concludes, it is uploaded and available to you. With PPV OnDemand, you choose when you view, no matter what you’re timezone.
Dennis Orcollo (Photo courtesy of Dave Thomson – Mediumpool.com)
Diamond Derby City Classic XXII, January 24-Feb.2, 2020
Caesars Southern Indiana, Elizabeth, IN
David Thomson
DIAMOND BANK POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Short Rack. Race to 3.
451 began. At last accounting, 1.
“Robocop” Robs Banks!
That’s all there is to say. Dennis Orcollo robbed everyone who dared approach his table. He was unbeaten through a field of 451. He never needed his buy-back option to secure his 2nd Diamond Derby City Classic Championship.
There were 3 left. Dennis, Billy, and that spunky kid form Detroit we introduced to you yesterday, Evan Lunda. We can also add humble and calm under pressure to his description.
These characteristics, perhaps, attributed to Evan having a helluva tourney. In closing the day, he had given Filler his first loss and thwarted last year’s runner-up Omar Al Shaheen’s aspirations.
It was Billy who had finally handed Evan his first loss.
Billy’s journey included eliminating three time Champion John Brumback, And Filler, Shaw, Shane and Alex, just to name few.
So there were 3. Evan drew the bye, therefore, Billy had to play Dennis. Dennis had a buy-back so, If Billy won, Dennis would use that option while Billy would play Evan.
The winner of that match would then play Dennis for the title. That’s the long version, you know, the result which could keep the Accu-Stats’ video crew up ’til dawn.
The short version is, if Dennis would beat Billy, then Evan, he would take the title.
And, so it began, race to three for $16k!
Billy got an opening. He blasted 4, then nailed the elusive one to take the first rack. 1-0
Thorpe was not intimidated. He was in full throttle.
Dennis, in Robocop mode, broke and drilled 4, then 1, and it was 1-1
Game 3, in almost a repeat performance, Orcollo ran 4, and it was 2-1.
Game 4: Dennis ran 3. Billy ran 3 and pocketed a hanger that sent the cue ball, “safe,” near the top rail. Dennis jacked up, aimed, and speared in the re-spotted Cyclop off the short rail. His shape on his fifth required orb proved fatal for Billy. In 40 minutes, Dennis was in the Final.
Evan, as he has said, gets, “Fired up competing with the ‘heavy hitters.”
But, this was a whole new ball-game. The environment was new to him: He was, now, on the big stage with the “heat” of Accu-Stats TV lights, LIVE on a world-wide stream, and of course facing Dennis the Menace…in murder-mode.
Frankly, Orcollo wasn’t in quite the same form demonstrated against Billy. None-the-less, he didn’t miss much. Lunda, on the other hand, was off quite a bit. On his tight, short rail banks, he should have been calling triples. He didn’t manage a game. At 3-0, in 37 minutes, it was trophy time.
Dennis had obliterated their bank accounts so quickly that they were last seen in search of an ATM! That would be Diamond. Billy got $5,350 and Evan received $8,000 for 2nd. Dennis deposited $16,000 for first!
Play continues at NOON Wednesday. 9-Ball is in the mix, too.
See it LIVE from the Accu-Stats TV Arena on the DIAMOND 9’ Pro Am.
Visit accu-stats.com
DIAMOND ONE POCKET CHAMPIONSHIP
365 entries, up 20 from last year!
Crafty, and very creative, Corey Deuel kicked off the Accu-Stats TV Arena productions of the Diamond One Pocket Championship by truly manifesting his craft in the craftiest of all pool disciplines, One Pocket.
The closing game in his 3-0 annihilation of Dennis Orcollo showed just how creative Corey is. No one knows what he is thinking. To see all the kisses and caroms he articulated, Accu-Stats director Pat Fleming commented, “We had to utilize so many instant replays just to see what he’d done.”
Dennis, now down 2-0, had attempted an always tricky carom, back-cut kind of-a-thing, into his pocket. Two balls got in the way of each other and the rack, which should have been his, was wide open.
Corey got 5 and, in an attempt at opening a few more balls, his shape was obstructed by an inconsiderate, roaming orb. End of run, no clear shot at his hole. Not for crafty Corey it wasn’t. He decided on caroming a ball off another–that was sitting 2 feet from the pocket!
“He bet the game on that,” was announced from the commentary booth.
Never a doubt, he landed perfectly for his last two balls.
Deuel had decided that the odds were with him to make that carom, and that he would win the match from there. He was, wisely, all offense.
You can be sure we’ll get this DVD. “How’d he do-dat?”
Danny Olson, left the Accu-Stats TV Arena 10 minutes after his one-sided defeat by daunting dualist, 2012 Diamond Southern Classic Banks and One Pocket Champion Justin Hall.
Danny was not having his best day. He then faced Jayson Shaw who was empowered by his BIG Foot title.
One-Pocket, isn’t Jayson’s game of choice tho,’ he is vastly improved. He doesn’t quite have the “moving” skills yet, but his pin-point position play, compounded by his fire power, compensate admirably.
Years ago, when Jayson first entered the DCC One Pocket event, Danny Diliberto had asked him, “Do you play One Pocket?”
“No. I’ll just run out,” he answered naively.
That’s exactly what he did, to Olson–3 times! In 16 minutes he was registering his win at the tournament desk.
Shaw’s self confessed secret is that he’s been working 8 hours a day on his game. Isn’t that a normal day’s work for a fair day’s pay?
In addition, he smashed Dee Adkins’, recently mentioned, fastest Bank’s match record by about 10 minutes.
Mika wasn’t having his best DCC day either. He’d traded strokes with Tyler Styer to end up at the buy-back booth.
Then, speaking of “I’ll just run out,” he got down 2-0 to Joshua Filler. “So I started to grind him, got even, and then made a simple position error to hand him the match!” He’s now practicing 9-Ball.
In other action, Tony Chohan didn’t escape Pagulayan’s prowess. Django got Cliff Joyner, who’s gone, and Lunda sent Olinger to the booth at 3-1.
A funny thing happened with that match. Lunda had gotten distracted and was gazing at action on an adjacent table. Olinger was composing a sweet run-out when he ran afoul of an obscuring ball. Making a valiant attempt, he missed. That left 2 balls hanging in both their pockets.
Evan made a gallant effort at caroming on one of Alex’s balls while cross-banking the other to combo a ball in his pocket. His soft stroke was too soft and it hung in the lip.
“Why did you do that?” Alex questioned. “You were straight in on your ball.”
“I didn’t see it,” laughed laid-back Lunda.
Olinger joked, “I thought I was gonna learn a new move.”
DIAMOND 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Players meeting was at noon, Wednesday.
Don’t miss a stroke at accu-stats.com
Accu-Stats thanks its Arena Sponsors: Diamond Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Cyclop Balls, Cuetec Cues, Cue and Case, MEZZ Cues, McDermott Cues, National Billiard Academy.
Jayson Shaw (Photo courtesy of David Thomson – Medium Pool)
Diamond Derby City Classic XXII, January 24-Feb.2, 2020
Caesars Southern Indiana, Elizabeth, IN
David Thomson
DIAMOND BIG FOOT CHALLENGE
LIVE from the Accu-Stats TV Arena
Format: Race to 11, single elimination, alternate break, uncalled 10-Ball caroms and combos count.
Saturday’s Results
John “Mr. Smooth” Morra is quite remarkable. He’s naturally right-handed but, due to a debilitating neck ailment, he’s now a leftie–most of the time. He still needs the power of his right arm on the break and when he uses the bridge.
His stroke is so smooth that, unless you knew, you’d never consider that he is in transition from the opposite hand.
Chris Melling knows. You diehard DCC fans may remember, too, when 2 years ago, they met in the 9-Ball finals.
John, left handed, had run a mesmerizing 5 racks to get a seemingly insurmountable 8-3 lead. Melling, with compelling poise and motivation, scrambled back and stole the tournament.
Mr. Smooth was not going to let that happen today. Loss wasn’t an option, plus, alternate breaks would help curb any 5-packs.
The nip and duck strategy had neither player getting ahead much more than a rack. Until, they were tied at 9.
Morra, seizing opportunity, calmly, stole Chris’ serve. John was on the hill. As it was his break, he had the opportunity to close out the match. Until his momentum fizzled.
Chris was back at bat. He ran to the 9 and, in the heat of the moment, attacked the ball too quickly. It jangled in the jaws.
Morra’s 2018 encounter was now avenged.
Jayson Shaw’s devastating .939 Total Performance Average(TPA) had Skyler Woodward handcuffed. Still swooning from his International 9-Ball Open win, the transplanted Scot’s swagger was in full bloom.
The bigger the gap grew in the score, the lower Sky slumped in his seat. Being eliminated with only 3 games, he was soon out of his misery.
Both Mika and Bustey also got off to a miserable start. BIG Foot does not tolerate careless play. Makable balls were spat out of the jaws, sloppy position left speeding cue-balls welded to their intended object balls. The Diamond’s 5’ x 10’ expanse had both players dumbfounded.
It was time to regroup. Francisco’s efforts, frankly, faired faster than Mika’s. His final .868 TPA over Mika’s .556 manifested just that: Immonen was immobilized. Not to worry, he is still unbeaten in the Banks.
Corey Deuel opened playing splendidly and soon sped to a 4-0 lead over Dennis Orcollo. To see that lead dwindle, as Dennis climbed from an abysmal .585 to a .759 TPA, didn’t phase Deuel. Corey was determined to keep cool, calm, and very cautious.
Down 7-4, and still in the hunt, Dennis ran afoul of an errant 6-ball. He, wisely, played safe. Corey kicked the 6 straight into the 10 which careened right into the side. All balls count!
Corey, graciously, accepted the point. Now ahead 8-4, he never looked back. A bewildered Dennis was allowed only one more game.
After 3 rounds, Efren Reyes remains undefeated. His star quality shines brightly. His matches draw crowds that confirm his magnetism while his results have us considering whether he will ever retire.
Meanwhile, most recognized names are wading unharmed thru the krill, although there were a few exceptions:
Tony “T Rex” Cohan did prevail over Jeff de Luna. Alex Pagulayan killed Warren Kiamko’s conquering aspirations as he was sent to buy back.
Local hero, and 3 time Bank Pool Champion, John Brumback was tied 2-2 and down 3 balls to 1 in the 5th with the intimidating Alex Olinger. John, unflinchingly, fired in the required 4 to remind himself that he can still come with it.
Dee Adkins, perhaps, holds the record for fastest finish. He broke balls at 9:15. He was seen registering his win at 9:37!
One Pocket will start tomorrow.
Accu-Stats thanks its Arena Sponsors: Diamond Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Cyclop Balls, Cuetec Cues, Cue and Case, MEZZ Cues, McDermott Cues, National Billiard Academy.
John Schmidt (Photo courtesy of Dave Thomson – Mediumpool.com)
Derby City Classic XXI, January 25 – February 2nd, 2019
LIVE from the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino, Elizabeth IN.
DIAMOND DCC ONE POCKET CHAMPIONSHIP
410 entrants are now reduced to 24.
One Pocket; Chess with Balls.
Just like chess, One-Pocket is about knowing the moves. It is, also, said that the “mover” will out-play the shotmaker. As shotmakers have the need to pocket balls, One-Pocket players, “Tie ‘em up, stick ‘em in the stack, leave ‘em stuck.”
This strategy, knowingly, exercises patience that, eventually, frustrates the fast and loose shooters into firing at will. Actually, as the trap has been set, it really is firing unwillingly.
If you are looking to reinforce the maxim “revenge is sweet,” just ask Skyler Woodward. With a 3 zip result, just like had been administered to him in Banks (twice), he eliminated Billy Thorpe from the One-Pocket division.
The result puts Skyler in position to threaten the Master of the Table, or All-Around Champion, $20,000 bonus prize money.
Not to worry, Billy is still deep in it, too.
The player with the most points accumulated from DCC’s 3 qualifying events, Banks, 1-Pocket, and 9-Ball, will earn the honor.
It’s way too early to tell, but, if Skyler, with his 3rd/4th finish in Banks, climbs to there or better in One Pocket, he will challenge Billy’s current dominance with his 120 point advantage for the Bank Pool title.
If you thought that must be the match of the day, think again.
Opening the action on the Accu-Stats TV table was young Filipino gun, James Aranas in contest with veteran John “MR 400” Schmidt.
What unfolded was a stunning come-from-behind performance.
They were tied 2-2. In the decider, Aranas took an intentional foul, -1. Not to be outdone, John took 5 intentional fouls!
Soon, James, having nabbed a few, was in the plus side with 3. John was still at -5.
For those of you in-the-know, John, “Mr 400,” has been vigorously involved playing 14.1. He’s intent on beating Willie Mosconi’s 60+ year record high-run of 526 balls.
With the added incentive of a sweet bonus from his sponsor, Easy Street Billiards, Schmidt set up his video camera and went to work. For around 2 weeks John shot century after century and, tho,’ he didn’t out-run Mosconi, he did beat his own recorded 403 record by 31 balls. John has now the highest run on camera with 434!
That 14.1 skillset came into play today. At -5, he needed to pocket 13 balls in the same hole to overthrow Aranas.
When his onslaught commenced, in around 3 innings, John completely reversed his position and had James on the ropes. Ahead at 5-3, one more turn at the table was all it took to secure the set.
John’s “cueball” was exemplary, both in defense and offense. His know-how, compounded with the will to win, has set the standard of the year’s championship.
“James played smarter than I thought he did,” John considered after his win. ”How come these young kids know so much about One-Pocket?”
By watching you John; watching you.
Lee Vann Corteza wasn’t so much out-moved by Shane Van Boening as he was out-shot. Referring to the aforementioned Shooter principal, Shane has always been the exception to the rule.
His confidence, compounded by experience, knows no bounds. He attacks balls that old school one-holers would consider suicidal. His touch and speed allowed the tight-cut pro pockets to accept balls that, if missed, would surely leave Vann Corteza victorious.
Instead, at 3-1, Van Boening moved forward. Lee was delivered to the buyback booth.
Francisco Bustamante’s 3-1 over Joshua Filler was, somewhat, expected but Bustey shouldn’t be too confident next year. Scroll down to see Filler’s 14.1 coverage.
Players are running more 8 balls and out’s this year than ever. Roberto Gomez, not exactly known as a one-holer from -2, ran 10. Then, another 8, 2-0. Jeremy Jones ran 8, 2-1. Then, they grind until the cold roll stopped Double J’s ball one quarter of a revolution from dropping in the hole. Gomez stole Jeremy’s shape, back-cut it straight in his hole, and it’s 3-1.
One Pocket matches will air on accu-stats.com at NOON. EDT.
DIAMOND DCC 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP
407 entrants; Another DCC attendance record broken!
Race to 9. 3 balls, minus those pocketed, must make the kitchen on the break.
Johnny Archer was in superlative form as he caught Canada’s John Morra napping. Down 6-0 is certainly a wake-up call but John was so deep in the hole that he couldn’t recover. Scrambling, he mustered a few but, the dominant Archer soon shot Morra beddy-bye. 9-3.
Jung-Lin Chang, still on a 10-Ball roll, thought he was on a bar-box. Alex, who’s 168 ball run just missed the 14.1 cut, was in better stroke and managed 7 games.
Much more to come.
THE DIAMOND STRAIGHT POOL CHALLENGE is streaming at billiardnet.tv!
The high-run contest is manned by 14.1 aficionados Dennis Walsh and Bill Maropulis. Bob Jewett, the event creator, continues to support and contribute to the event.
Our thanks to Rich Klein for his daily scoring updates.
it took only ’til the second day, for Scotsman Jayson Shaw’s 247, two year, DCC high-run reign to be overthrown by Chris Melling, an Englishman. 244 became the number to beat.
Fortunately, as the upset to took place on American soil, an international incident was averted.
As Wednesday was the closing day for the runs to be tabulated, by early afternoon Bill Maropulis considered, “Even although the standard of play has been exceptional this year. It will take something extraordinary for Chris’ run to be beaten.”
Along came Orcollo, a previous tournament winner. Bang, 260!
Meanwhile, newly crowned 2018 World 9-Ball Champion Joshua Filler entered the room. Being German, Josh is no stranger to Straight Pool. 14.1 is part of the pool education program. Bang, bang, bang, 285!
Now there are 5 runs over 200 in the final 8 who will been drawn for a single elimination play-off to determine the champion.
Interestingly, the 2 players honored this year had quite a history together.
Road players are always on the hunt for new talent to skulk around with in search of the cash.
Walden had observed Frost as a talented kid and was awed by his dedication to learn and his taste for adventure.
Away they went. Frost’s forte (still is) was One-Pocket. James excelled in 9-Ball.
Exercising rule number 1 of the road, neither exposed their true expertise. Until they lost. Then one would announce, “Try him some.”
That’s how it’s done.
Scott Frost is now a jubilant member of the the One Pocket Hall of Fame!
James Walden has the honorable mention of “Lifetime Pool in Action!”
One Pocket Hall of Famer Shannon Daulton emcee’d the evening’s festivities, while fellow members Nick VarnerJohn Brumback and Jeremy Jones entertained the one-hole fans with personal encounters with the honorees.
Accu-Stats thanks its Arena Sponsors: Diamond Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Cyclop Balls, Cuetec Cues, Lucasi Custom, MEZZ Cues, McDermott Cues, National Billiard Academy, and Samsara Cues.
Omar Al Shaheen: Under the radar no more! (Photo courtesy of Dave Thomson – Medium Pool)
Derby City Classic XXI, January 25 – February 2nd, 2019
LIVE from the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino, Elizabeth IN.
DIAMOND DCC BANK POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Race to 3, 9-Ball–Short Rack, $10,000 first place prize: $4,000 for second, $2,200, 3rd/4th, etc.
From a record-setting 505 entrants, there is only one man left standing.
Billy Thorpe, undefeated in 14 arduous rounds, became the undisputed Diamond Derby City Classic Bank Champion by eliminating Kuwait’s Omar Al Shaheen, 3-2.
En route to the Accu-Stats TV table, Billy had won games without his opponent being allowed to approach the table. In round 13, he had given Skyler Woodward, a DCC Banks Ring Game winner, his first loss at 3-0. The demolition included two games with 5 balls-and-out.
Today, they met again. The punishment was repeated: 3-0.
Al Shaheen had earned his berth by terminating the talented Josh Roberts 3-0 earlier in the day. In passing, he had also beaten back-to-back BIG Foot 10-Ball titlist Jayson Shaw and 3-time DCC Banks Champ John Brumback, just to name a few who are still in shock.
Previously, Omar had competed in DCC’s 9-Ball and Banks events but, had slipped under the slate as he had never gotten past the last 16.
Thorpe, throttle wide open, had been walloping the balls. There is no baby in Billy. He’s a pounder. He also had home field advantage having experienced the “heat” of the Accu-Stats’ lights.
Omar, on the other hand, had been conditioned in the expanse of the main arena where the playing field is a much more anonymous. Now, thanks to the Accu-Stats’ stream, he was under the lens for all the world to glare.
Billy knew that feeling. Two years ago when, as an underdog, Thorpe pounced on Alex Pagulayan and stole the DCC One Pocket title.
After the trouncing, respected Accu-Stats’ commentator Bill Incardona declared Billy the best banker in the world. Today, Thorpe had the opportunity to ratify that statement.
That title also contributed to Thorpe’s thrust into the limelight which led to being invited to compete with Team USA in the Mosconi Cup. Having experienced that pressure only made one feel impregnable.
In the opening game, we were made aware of the aggressive (defense, what defense?) strategy that had gotten Omar to the finals. Firing at everything, and making a lot of them, maybe threatened Thorpe a little, especially, when Omar secured the first game.
“Guys who compete wide open are dangerous,” Billy later stated, “Especially, in a short-rack, race to 3.”
It’s, also, always interesting playing an unknown entity. There’s usually less pressure when competing against a familiar opponent, even when they’re more formidable than the unknown one.
Game 2, it’s all Billy and nothing but net. 1-1
Game 3. Omar bangs in 4 while Billy has only 2, Wise defense came to his rescue and bingo, Billy stole it and, it’s 2-1.
Game 4. Thorpe opens with 3. Al Shaheen makes one and scratches on the second. Billy slams the respotted orb. He’s one ball from the title.
Omar responds with 3, then 1. It’s a hill-hill–again! Billy leaves him long from the rail. Omar nails it. The boisterous crowd is screaming their appreciation. Sure, they want their homeboy to win but, Omar’s a humble guy. They like him, too. And, of course, the drama, we all love the drama.
It’s 2-2…and Omar is at bat. He makes 2 on the break. Then, runs 3.
“Oh no,” Billy a little bit twitchy. “How did it come to this? I’m starving, I should have eaten.” the thoughts are racing through his mind. He doesn’t want to think about the buy-back booth. “It’s OK, I’m undefeated, he has to beat me twice. Forget that! I’m closing this out NOW!”
He’s driven. He’s desperate.
Omar’s shaky. He shares out loud with the standing room only crowd, “The stress, the stress.” Yet, inside, he knows he can win this. Look how far he’s gotten. Why stop now?
Each having chipped away at the rack, until, again, they’re tied at 4.
One ball and Billy has another DCC championship belt. One more for Omar and he’ll secure a second set.
Defensive now, Omar leaves Billy long, very long. His dark eyes focused intently on the contact point, he pulls back his cue and, mustering all his power, he pummels the object ball…CRACK! The Cyclop almost busted the back of the pocket.
You can still hear his rebel yell ringing around the arena.
Omar is grateful, sure, a little bit deflated, but yet elated to have gotten so far. “What’s better than this in the sport we all love so much?” And, let’s not forget, he’ll go home a hero.
Billy has added another Diamond event to his resume. Plus, that’s 120 points towards the Master of the Table title. He’s still unbeaten in One-Pocket, plus, with the 9-Ball experience he gained as a winning Mosconi Cup team member two months ago, who knows what the future holds for the rising pool star.
DIAMOND DCC ONE POCKET CHAMPIONSHIP
410 entrants are now reduced to 116
Scott Frost handily defeated Dennis Orcollo 3-1 on the Accu-Stats TV table. Off to a blazing start the Freezer dismantled Robocop’s defenses.
The closing rack offered endgame strategy. With Scott needing one, it was a lesson in moving both the cue and object ball into positions impossible. Scott came with 3 railer that no one expected, especially Dennis.
One Pocket matches will air on accu-stats.com at NOON. EDT.
THE DIAMOND STRAIGHT POOL CHALLENGE is streaming at billiardnet.tv!
The high-run contest is manned by 14.1 aficionados Dennis Walsh and Bill Maropulis. Bob Jewett, the event creator, has generously supplied healthy refreshments. Pool players sometimes forget to eat.
The 8 highest runs will compete in a single elimination play-off to determine the champion.
A hearty congratulations to Scott Frost who will go into the One Pocket Hall of Fame!
In addition, James Walden will be honored for “Lifetime Pool in Action!”
One Pocket Hall of Famer Shannon Daulton, and friends, will entertain the one-hole fans with personal encounters with the honorees as he anchors the evening’s festivities.
The format is VIP dinner and drinks starting at 6 PM. Then about 7:15 PM the doors open for inexpensive appetizers and cash bar and the induction presentations.
You are invited to help us celebrate their achievements and to experience a piece of One-Pocket history.
Accu-Stats thanks its Arena Sponsors: Diamond Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Cyclop Balls, Cuetec Cues, Lucasi Custom, MEZZ Cues, McDermott Cues, National Billiard Academy, and Samsara Cues.
Format: Race to 11, single elimination, alternate break, all balls count, 10-ball on the break is spotted.
Taiwan’s Jung-Lin Chang Captures the Diamond BIG Foot Challenge
In true Derby City spirit, the race was on. Joshua Filler, the younger steed broke loose to streak ahead 4-0. Jung-Lin Chang, the senior, more experienced work horse, paced himself. In the second stretch he charged ahead to 7-5.
As they jockeyed back and forth, it was neck-and-neck as they neared the finish line. At 9-9, opportunity appeared and the well-seasoned veteran, calm and composed, closed out the set. At 11 games to 9, he had secured the prestigious Diamond BIG Foot title.
Jung-Lin Chang’s exemplary accomplishment established his reputation as one of the most formidable pro players competing today. OK, the Diamond BIG Foot Challenge takes only four matches to win but look at his Accu-stats’ Total Performance Averages (TPA): .922 in the final with Filler, his gutsy .930 gouged Gorst in the semi’s, a brutal .933 battered Van Boening, and a mere .883 in his opening encounter with the irrepressible Albanian Eklent Kaci. And, let’s not forget, this was Chang’s first sniff at Big Foot.
And what about Filler? He slipped to .888 in the finals after an unprecedented .956 that demonstrated a truly lionhearted assault on the dangerous Dennis Orcullo. He dipped to .850 with Bustey and began his crash course with a crushing .919 against Corteza. Three legendary Filipinos and Filler manifested not a sliver of fear, just sheer dominance compounded by inner belief.
Chang’s semifinal encounter with last year’s finalist Fedor Gorst was easier than he expected. He strode to the hill at 10-5. The young, resilient Russian managed a couple more before being eliminated at 11-7. Gorst was the first to admit that he had struggled, today. His, normally, fierce determination had eluded him.
Filler’s command of Orcollo, which opened today’s proceedings, was the finest demonstration of pool prowess in recent years. His aforementioned .956 TPA was garnered by eight break-and-runs, plus, when Dennis broke dry, Joshua ran two more: 10 of his 11 games were run-outs.
His pace around the table was also unprecedented. It was like he hadn’t planned to be in the finals and had a plane to catch to the next event. Then, in contrast, if his cueball fell just slightly out of perfect line on the nine to ease closing position on the 10, he would pause, reflect for a minute, consciously refocus, then calmly pocket the virtually unmissable balls. Maybe he had realized, Oh yeah, I’m at the Derby. The next tournament is here.
Jung-Lin, on the other hand, has a pace so concentrated that he almost always chooses the correct strategy and pattern of play.
Their match had begun where Filler left off with Orcollo, he broke and ran the first rack and was soon ahead 4-0 with a 1.000 TPA. As was translated in Jung-Lin’s post-match interview, ”I knew to be patient. Not to rush.” Perhaps, he was also aware of the mesmerizing trap of copying your opponent’s pace.
Speaking of traps, in one instance, he actually snared Joshua. Chang had made 4 balls on the break. Being frozen against a ball, he was snookered. He pushed out to offer Joshua a make-able long shot. Perhaps, by observing his young opponent’s predilection to be at the table at all costs, he sensed that Joshua couldn’t resist the temptation to shoot. And shoot he did. The trap was that simple shape was impossible. Joshua made the difficult ball but now had an even more demanding shot than the previous one. Filler missed. That move contributed to Chang’s string of 6 games to move from down 1-5 to 7-5 ahead.
Filler, unfazed, found the inner strength to capture the next 3, and he’s 8-7. Then, 8-8, 9-8, 9-9 and, with Joshua breaking, the well was dry.
Emotionless, Chang’s deliberate pause after every shot delivered one of the most nail-biting two-rack finishes ever recorded. He pocketed balls that would have brought out the dog in most. Instead, he mustered the stud.
In his closing comments, Jung-Lin added that he wanted to thank Adrian of Cyclop Balls for sponsoring his trip and the opportunity to experience the Derby, the biggest and most challenging Pro Pool tournament in the world. He has 5 more grueling, dawn-to-dawn days. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you posted on his progress.
BANK POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Race to 3, 9-Ball–Short Rack, $10,000 first place prize:
From a record-setting 505 entrants, we are now down to four.
The day began with 17.
Round 10 was a bloodfest that gutted some of the most killer Bank Pool players in the world.
Round 11 had Al Shaheen shutout Shaw, Thorpe throttled Aranas, Sky Woodward wounded Chinakhov (he still has a buy-back), Roberts melted Melling, and Smith ousted Orcullo.
Round 12. Roberts bettered Smith, Thorpe thumped Woodward.
Round 13. Billy Thorpe played some of the most devastating Banks Skyler has experienced as a pro. “I missed two balls and lost 3-0. Billy ran 5-and-out on me…twice! And now I have to play him again?” Not only that, Billy has a buy-back.
Round 14: Woodward vs, Thorpe. Josh Roberts will play Omar (who is this Guy?) Al Shaheen. Actually, we know Omar as a previous 9-Ball competitor. He teaches Bank Pool in Kuwait but has no competition there. He sure has it here.
The Semi’s and Finals will air on accu-stats.com at 7pm. EDT.
ONE POCKET CHAMPIONSHIP
410 entrants are underway. Not too much big-name encounters other than, Billy Thorpe has given Justin Hall his first loss. Ditto, as Kaci defeated Immonen.
One Pocket matches will air on accu-stats.com at NOON. EDT.
THE GEORGE FELS MEMORIAL STRAIGHT POOL CHALLENGE is streaming at billiardnet.tv, today!
The high-run contest is underway manned by 14.1 aficionados Dennis Walsh and Bill Maropulis. Bob Jewett, the event creator, has generously supplied healthy refreshments. Pool players sometimes forget to eat.
The 8 highest runs will compete in a single elimination play-off to determine the champion.
Francisco Bustamante – Photo courtesy of Dave Thomson – Mediumpool.com
Derby City Classic XX, January 19-27, 2018
LIVE from the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino, Elizabeth, IN
DCC ONE POCKET CHAMPIONSHIP
Let’s be frank and say it like it is. Francisco Bustamante’s One Pocket game has gotten better. Where has it improved? “I’m more aggressive,” he asserted. “To win, you must put pressure on your opponent.”
In the opening game of the Final’s, Justin Bergman had made 6 and left the green Cyclop hanging in his pocket. Rather than just give it to him and leave the cue ball snuggled in Bergman’s pocket, the 54-year-old Filipino took on a three rail flier that would either make him or break him.
A stop shot would leave the cue ball in perfect position and allow the opportunity to get at least 4 more, but if he missed, with that dangling orb, Justin was surely out.
The three-railer took off the long rail and swept effortlessly into his pocket. He ran 6 to miss abruptly and they both needing 2.
He actually lost that game but that wasn’t the point. He feels that if he has an opportunity like that and doesn’t take it, that sends a message to the opponent that transfers the power to him. “If I’m gonna win, I win, if I’m gonna lose, I lose.”
Getting so close, also, gave Bustey the impetus to stick with the game plan; Keep applying the pressure.
He never looked back. His run outs were absolutely spectacular, his banking, superb, his defense–when it was the only option–so exceptional that he didn’t lose another game. And, most importantly, it catapulted the two-time Master of the Table into contention for a 3rd with an All-Around point total score of 198.5.
Obviously disappointed, Bergman had had his best DCC finish yet. Today, he’d beaten past champion, Shannon Daulton, twice! He’d been bounced in and out of the Accu-Stats TV Table to play 9-Ball in the main arena where an additional 20 Diamond Tables were shimmering in a sea of Simonis Blue.
As the One Pocket runner-up and his high finish in Banks plus, his remaining buy-back in 9-Ball, he was looking strong in second place with an All-Around point total of 153.3.
A quick recap of how we got to the finals would read: Tony Chohan was not intimidated by Kiamko’s earlier, stellar 17 ball run that, incidentally, initiated Bustey’s buy-back. Warren’s buy-back remains intact in the 9-Ball.
Bustey gave DeLuna his marching orders which allowed him to meet Tony in the semi’s #2 which had an interesting incident.
With tight, nip and duck strategy they were a tied at 2, In the deciding rack, Bustamante, aggressive as ever, led 7 balls to 1. Chohan, obviously pressured, needed all of them. Around the 4th ball, he lost his cue ball which headed off the short rail destined for the side pocket.
Sensing a scratch, Bustey, prematurely, sprang out of his seat. With ball-in-hand in the kitchen, he knew that he was surely out and into the finals.
“Oh yeah, Oh yeah,” he yelled, jumping up and down, hands in the air. But wait, whitey swerved slightly and rattled around the rim to settle table-top and leave Tony helpless.
DCC 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP
363 entries vying for the $16,000 first place prize money.
The beauty, and blessing, of competing in any event at the Derby City Classic is that even though there are near 4-500 entries in any given division, the odds are that you are not going to draw a champion.
Virtually half the field is composed of B+ players who, by definition, occasionally break and run a rack of 9-Ball. if you can run two, odds are, you’re gonna go far, maybe, get close to the money, Then, if you do lose to a better class of opponent, it becomes mandatory that you use your buy-back privilege to protect your investment.
That’s the blessing, the beauty is that you can draw a Champion, either way, you leave with a tale to tell. Either way, you win.
“That’s the way of the Derby City Classic experience,” said Diamond’s Greg Sullivan, “I want everyone to leave with a story.”
Around 250 9-Ball players have been eliminated and 16 of the remaining 100, or so, are undefeated.
In his match with Oklahoman Chip Compton, England’s Chris Melling put on a snooker clinic. “I didn’t get a look at a ball,” commented Compton.”Chris played great.”
What was of note with Loree Jon was that she had drawn Lee Vann Corteza. She was about to tie the match at 7 when she missed the 7. It could have cost her the match
Had she made it, Lee Vann confessed that it would have added serious pressure, “…as I had just came from 2-8 behind to escape the buy-back booth. When I saw how confident Loree Jon was, I started to get shaky. Lucky for me she missed.”
Accu-Stats thanks its Arena Sponsors: Diamond Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Cyclop Balls, Lucasi Custom, MEZZ Cues, McDermott Cues, National Billiard Academy, and Samsara Cues
DCC BANKS RING GAME
The action packed 10-Ball Bank entertainment was in full swing at press time.
Bustamante had entered but, due to his exhausting day, decided to get some sleep and concentrate on his early morning 9-Ball match. He also, wants to protect those All-Around points.
The 10-Ball Bank Ring Game, hosted by banking living legend, Truman Hogue began at $50 a ball. You can bet that it will be 10 times that by game’s end. We’ll keep you posted on the results, tomorrow,
Corey Deuel keeps his eye on the ball – Photo courtesy of Dave Thomson – Mediumpool.com
Derby City Classic XX, January 19-27, 2018
LIVE from the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino, Elizabeth, IN
BANK POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
471 players vie for $10,000. Race to 3, 9-Ball–Short Rack
Today, there were 8:
Corey Deuel proved invincible! Unbeaten, he strolled thru the Banks brackets in indomitable style. As 2013 DCC Banks Champion, he desperately wanted another title. “I feel that Bank Pool has always eluded me. In the last five years, my best finish was 7th.”
He’d worked hard to improve. Humbly, he’d asked other players about their technique. He admitted, he’d learned a lot. After all, he’d just dueled 14 rounds that had included contending with past Champions John Brumback and Francisco Bustamante. His confidence continuing to grow, he had beaten them back to back. “That’s when I felt I had a chance to win it.”
Corey had begun the day by bruising Brumback by sending him to the buy-back booth.
John’s morning had been a marred by bad preparation. “I hadn’t eaten properly.” he confessed, “My hands were shakin’ so bad. Saltines just don’t cut it!”
Shaw opened his day by sending Shane to buy back but it was short-lived as Brumback, then fighting for his life, administered Van Boening’s death blow.
Justin Bergman, who was originally given his first loss by Fedor Gorst, drew him again. “That guy can really play.” Justin asserted. “I wish I shot that good when I was 17.”
Bergman had managed the first game in their match. In game 2, they both needed one ball. Bergman continued, “And I hung it. He won that one then broke and ran out and, I’m down 1-2.” In their 4th game, the consensus was that better banking skills can beat superior strategy. “I got cautious and lost my aggressive attitude. I decided to out-move him–that, I know I can do. But, he just banks so good.”
Later, interestingly, it was Troy Jones who delivered Fedor’s final loss: He was last seen stalking the one-pocket matches. That, he admitted, is where he also needs to gain some strategy.
Troy then ran afoul of Shaw, Bustey, who had ousted Woodward earlier, couldn’t catch the cagey and consistent Corey. He, too, was sent to concentrate on one pocket.
And then, there were 3. In the Accu-Stats’ TV Arena, Corey was first pitted against 2017 finalist Jayson Shaw. Brumback had drawn the bye.
Corey was not intimidated. His quiet confidence reinforced by those big, aforementioned, wins over Brumback, a 3-time DCC Bank Pool Champion and 2017 title holder Fransisco Bustamante.
He won the first game 5 balls-2. At 4-4 in the 2nd game, Shaw, shockingly, scratched. With ball in hand in the kitchen, Corey, calmly, rolled it off the short rail and into the corner. 2-0.
Game 3 opened with Corey breaking and running a couple and Jayson firing a few right back at him.
Deuel didn’t falter even when, seemingly, safely stuck up behind the 6, rolled it off the long rail to drop gently into the corner.
One ball later, he had earned the right to do battle with Brumback. Up 2-1, Corey had to fade John’s four ball onslaught which tied the match, 2-2.
Always aggressive, never denying the opportunity to bank rather than duck, they both needed a couple. Corey was on the hill first and fired cross side. It hit the knuckle. Brumback sighed in relief. With 3 balls lined up on the spot, he attempted a cross side. It landed long and left opportunity.
Corey’s nerve held steadfast as he fired in the final orb.
Interestingly, in 2013 his jubilation had him jumping thru the roof. Today his knees gave way as he sank to rest on the table,
His face filled with joy as he announced, “It feels really satisfying to win, again, today.” He’s also $10,000 richer!
ONE POCKET CHAMPIONSHIP
393 entrants have now been depleted to 68.
Some big-name upsets of note: Sky Woodward was gone by the third round. “I’ve been firing ‘em in all weekend and now I’m slow rolling balls, choking up on my stroke, switching back and forth ‘cause I’m still in the Banks.”
Interestingly enough, he was originally enrolled in the BIG Foot and withdrew to concentrate on his bank game figuring that it would also help in the One Pocket.
At 2-2, Joyner was ahead 7 balls-1. Jacked up on the rail Scott, aggressive as ever, fired in a combo the length of the table…and ran out! Cliff fell off the hill!
In his match with Joshua Filler, it looked like Gorst was applying his knowledgable 14.1. pattern play. He strung multiple ball runs together, so quickly, that the match was over in 30 minutes. Now Josh had the time to hone in on some one-pocket.
The record of Gorst’s 30 minute annihilation didn’t last long. Later, John Schmidt devoured an opponent in 22!
Allan Hopkins, altho.’ having one loss, is still alive as he sent Bill Meacham home.
Tied 2-2 with young-gun Evan Lunda, Shane’s cue ball was hindered by the newly broken rack. Jacked up by using 2 bridges stacked on top of each other, he slow-rolled the finest cut into the corner. With six balls loose, he had total control of the table. He made only two of them. Lunda continued the execution. Buy back Shane.
Accu-Stats thanks its Arena Sponsors: Diamond Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Cyclop Balls, Lucasi Custom, MEZZ Cues, McDermott Cues, National Billiard Academy, and Samsara Cues
The George Fels Memorial Straight Pool Challenge is streaming at billiardnet.tv, today!
The players with the 8 highest runs, tallied from the total entrants, face off in single elimination. If scheduling permits, Accu-Stats will stream, at least, the finals.
Shot of the Day:
Dennis Orcollo has tied Jayson Shaw’s still unbeaten 227, historical, tournament high run.
Little did he know, had he beaten it, he would be $1000 richer. Instead, his wealth, by capturing the high run of the day, increased by only $300.
At 225, and the balls burst wide open, there were audience asides: “He needs three more to beat it.” At 226, “He needs two more….” Dennis wasn’t quite aware of what they were talking about.
So, at 227, focused and confident as always, rather than cinch an easier ball, he unnecessarily attempted to draw a close to the rail cue ball into position. With the additional encumbrance, he jacked up, stroked back and forth a few times…and missed!
The good news? He’s definitely qualified for the final 8.
